I am blogging everyday (or nearly everyday) on The Daily Stoic.
Luck is something that we can increase by working harder. I remember being young and wishing certain things would happen to improve my life. I quickly learned that luck had nothing to do with it. Learning, practicing, and working hard improved my luck. Some would say the great company I work for was lucky. I was in a position I wanted to get out of badly. I luckily went to a meeting where a buddy of mine said there was an opportunity in Nashville. I eventually got the job. Lucky right?
Here’s the full context. I established myself at my first security job. I said yes to going to lunch with one of my co-workers who he used to work. I got to be good friends with the guy he used to work with. We rode together to a conference that had an organizer at the place I eventually worked at. She’s now my peer working for the same boss. I went to this conference to shoot pictures for the event. I also, started up a local security user group with the guy I worked with. The very first meeting he brought up the opportunity which is where I am currently working at. Since acquiring that position I’ve been promoted to manager.
Was that luck or did I put myself out there? I put the extra effort into my day job, both at the job and after hours. I do feel there was some luck in getting my current opportunity, but I also improved my chances for luck by going the extra mile.